Desert camping near Kernville

Kernville is the perfect basecamp for Southern Sierra peaks, pines, and plunges.

86% (165 reviews)

United States
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California
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Kernville

86% (165 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Kernville

Under $50

Booked 13 times

Artist Housings fun land

50 sites · Tents320 acres · Randsburg, CA

Its tons of open land to do whatever u want with it. But leave no trace. Pack it in pack it out.Learn more about this land:320 acres of desert mountains. Great views. Very private. No neighbors for miles. Ridgecrest is 15 minute drive. We are laid back you can do anything you want as long as it's safe and legal. There is an RV on site with a bathroom available for your use. Once booked we will let you know where we hide the keys. (Water does not work unless you connect the RV battery to another vehicle with jumper cables.) This means no water to shower with and dont put anything but the provided Toilet Paper and human waste down the toilet.

Double Triangle Ranch

3 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Weldon, CA

Once settled by Tubatulabel and Shoshoni tribes, this area is rich with reminders of their habitation. Grinding rocks near Tipi camp are one of those. When gold was discovered in the Kern River Valley, most of the native tribes were displaced but their decendents here in the KRV keep the history alive at the Nuii Cuni Center at Wofford heights, a short drive around the lake from us.

Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

24 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Olancha, CA

Welcome to our new resort with breathtaking views our 100 acre RV retreat and our nearly 1 mile shoreline of beautiful Olancha Lake with the majestic snowcapped Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west and Death Valley to the east make for an incredible retreat. We are located near Lone Pine in the township of Olancha in the Owens Valley of California.

Jawbone Canyon Campground

60 sites · RVs, Tents33 acres · Cantil, CA

Learn more about this land:Campers, will see a great view of Mojave desert, off road riding area from the camp site, no need to trailer atvs, utvs or dirt bikes. Beautiful landscape and hills, Thousands is acres to ride, old mining rigs in the area. Jawbone Canyon Store sells Camping necessities, firewood and ice. They even have bands playing on holiday weekends..

Cartago Springs

2 sites · RVs1 acre · Cartago, CA

Cartago Springs is right off of the 395 HWY, with beautiful panoramic views of the Sierra mountains with bright twinkling open skies at night. Just minutes from cotton wood creek and a short drive to the Alabama Hills and Mt. Whitney. Open land to park your trailer or RV. Star gaze and eat under the stars. Cartago wildlife area is a five minute walk down the road from the property. The Cartago Wildlife area is a protected wet land that homes many different birds and wild life, there are walking trails and a small pond to enjoy. The property sits near what was once the old Cartago dump. You can find beautiful colored glass, porcelains, neat items like silverware, car parts, old lighters, a pickers paradise. feel free to take any treasures you find home with you! If you like to ride, Olancha dunes is just down the road. Cactus Flats Road in Olancha will take you into the Coso Mountains where the trails are endless, the views are beautiful and the peace is surreal. Cartago Springs is a few miles north of the Mobile gas station, where they serve hot food a perfect convince for the traveler. Hope to see you soon!

Available this weekend

Wandering Star Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent15 acres · Weldon, CA

Learn more about this land:A large private dispersed group camp- Entire property (all sites) included in rental. 7 night maximum. Longer possible with discussion. 15 acres yours to enjoy. Pass through our gates straight into BrightStar Wilderness BLM. Ride your dirt bikes, ATV's, horses. Play your music, let your dogs run free... Great star gazing. Primitive firing range two minute walk away, or plink varmints on site. Hiking, Biking. Nearby fishing, swimming, boating in the Kern River or Lake .The Brightstar wilderness extends to Jawbone canyon.Situated on the back side of the lake, this site provides more sunlight time than many other sites around the lake. In some cases close to 2 hours.Close to the lake at Mt. Mesa, boat launch, South fork Audubon nature preserve, restaurants, and scenic back road to Kernville.Verizon has good service Gas/Diesel and Market with Deli 5 minutes away.(Ice, wood, adult beverages, fishing tackle, full grocery)

Kernville Ranch

5 sites · Lodging15 acres · Kernville, CA

Nestled in meadows with a private river flowing through horse pastures, tall shade trees and all natural cedar hot tub. Kernville Ranch is just a 5 minute walk from the center of Kernville. Plenty of fishing and white water rafting, hiking and hot springs and snow play depending on the season. Explore the lake for water-sports, the high country for pristine wilderness and a little snow. The town is full of restaurants, antiques stores, and a wonderful museum of the rich heritage of this Wild West town,

Double Triangle Ranch

3 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Weldon, CA

Once settled by Tubatulabel and Shoshoni tribes, this area is rich with reminders of their habitation. Grinding rocks near Tipi camp are one of those. When gold was discovered in the Kern River Valley, most of the native tribes were displaced but their decendents here in the KRV keep the history alive at the Nuii Cuni Center at Wofford heights, a short drive around the lake from us.

Underworld Farms

15 sites · Lodging, RVs6 acres · Kernville, CA

Underworld Farms is a small goat ranch in the Kern River Valley. Surrounded by forestry land, on the Kern River, and on top of what used to be the old town of Whiskey Flat (Later re-named Kernville). There is no end to the beauty, history and adventure all around the property. Life took us to the Kern River Valley after moving out of Los Angeles. We enjoy living in the Southern Sierras immersed in all its natural beauty. The small but magnificent town of Kernville is approximately two and a half miles north of us. Our livestock includes horses, dairy goats, sheep, and rabbits: Most of which are raised and bred as 4H or FFA projects. You may be wondering why our farm is called "Underworld Farms". In a nutshell, since our ranch is on the footprint of the historic town of Whiskey Flat, we just happen to be south of the old Whiskey Flat "Boot Hill" Cemetery. Our "driveway" is the road that led from the old town of Kernville to the cemetery. We hope that you consider parking your RV, van conversion, or trailer on one of our customized spots on the property. Or enjoy a stay in one of our small cabins or trailers. Regardless of what you stay in, you will definitely have a memorable time. *** THE PIN MAP ON HIPCAMP IS NOT 100% ACCURATE. PLEASE REFFER TO THE MAP OF THE PROPERTY IN THE PHOTOS

Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

24 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Olancha, CA

Welcome to our new resort with breathtaking views our 100 acre RV retreat and our nearly 1 mile shoreline of beautiful Olancha Lake with the majestic snowcapped Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west and Death Valley to the east make for an incredible retreat. We are located near Lone Pine in the township of Olancha in the Owens Valley of California.

12 top desert campgrounds near Kernville

Underworld Farms

15 sites · Lodging, RVs6 acres · Kernville, CA

Underworld Farms is a small goat ranch in the Kern River Valley. Surrounded by forestry land, on the Kern River, and on top of what used to be the old town of Whiskey Flat (Later re-named Kernville). There is no end to the beauty, history and adventure all around the property. Life took us to the Kern River Valley after moving out of Los Angeles. We enjoy living in the Southern Sierras immersed in all its natural beauty. The small but magnificent town of Kernville is approximately two and a half miles north of us. Our livestock includes horses, dairy goats, sheep, and rabbits: Most of which are raised and bred as 4H or FFA projects. You may be wondering why our farm is called "Underworld Farms". In a nutshell, since our ranch is on the footprint of the historic town of Whiskey Flat, we just happen to be south of the old Whiskey Flat "Boot Hill" Cemetery. Our "driveway" is the road that led from the old town of Kernville to the cemetery. We hope that you consider parking your RV, van conversion, or trailer on one of our customized spots on the property. Or enjoy a stay in one of our small cabins or trailers. Regardless of what you stay in, you will definitely have a memorable time. *** THE PIN MAP ON HIPCAMP IS NOT 100% ACCURATE. PLEASE REFFER TO THE MAP OF THE PROPERTY IN THE PHOTOS

Double Triangle Ranch

3 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Weldon, CA

Once settled by Tubatulabel and Shoshoni tribes, this area is rich with reminders of their habitation. Grinding rocks near Tipi camp are one of those. When gold was discovered in the Kern River Valley, most of the native tribes were displaced but their decendents here in the KRV keep the history alive at the Nuii Cuni Center at Wofford heights, a short drive around the lake from us.

Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

24 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Olancha, CA

Welcome to our new resort with breathtaking views our 100 acre RV retreat and our nearly 1 mile shoreline of beautiful Olancha Lake with the majestic snowcapped Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west and Death Valley to the east make for an incredible retreat. We are located near Lone Pine in the township of Olancha in the Owens Valley of California.

Kernville Ranch

5 sites · Lodging15 acres · Kernville, CA

Nestled in meadows with a private river flowing through horse pastures, tall shade trees and all natural cedar hot tub. Kernville Ranch is just a 5 minute walk from the center of Kernville. Plenty of fishing and white water rafting, hiking and hot springs and snow play depending on the season. Explore the lake for water-sports, the high country for pristine wilderness and a little snow. The town is full of restaurants, antiques stores, and a wonderful museum of the rich heritage of this Wild West town,

Wandering Star Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent15 acres · Weldon, CA

Learn more about this land:A large private dispersed group camp- Entire property (all sites) included in rental. 7 night maximum. Longer possible with discussion. 15 acres yours to enjoy. Pass through our gates straight into BrightStar Wilderness BLM. Ride your dirt bikes, ATV's, horses. Play your music, let your dogs run free... Great star gazing. Primitive firing range two minute walk away, or plink varmints on site. Hiking, Biking. Nearby fishing, swimming, boating in the Kern River or Lake .The Brightstar wilderness extends to Jawbone canyon.Situated on the back side of the lake, this site provides more sunlight time than many other sites around the lake. In some cases close to 2 hours.Close to the lake at Mt. Mesa, boat launch, South fork Audubon nature preserve, restaurants, and scenic back road to Kernville.Verizon has good service Gas/Diesel and Market with Deli 5 minutes away.(Ice, wood, adult beverages, fishing tackle, full grocery)

Shirley Creek Retreat

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Wofford Heights, CA

Beautiful mountain retreat surrounded by wilderness. Great place to just relax, breath and enjoy or have outdoor adventures via hiking trails, water play on the lake or Kern River, visit the trail of 100 Giants, white water rafting, fishing and snow skiing in Alta Vista! Cute retro movie theater in town or dining and entertainment in Kernville, home of the world famous Kernville Brewery. Cute additional cabin that sleeps two as an additional space for the kids or adventurous adults.Learn more about this land:Great location for outdoor & indoor adventure for you & your whole family! Beautiful view from mega deck, retro cabin that sleeps 6, fire pit, steps to seasonal creek full of swimming holes, beautiful mountain trails just outside your door. Lake Isabella, Kern River, Alta Vista Ski Resort & Remington Mineral Baths all within 15 minutes yet relax in solitude on 1/2 acre property surrounded by government land. Wood burning stove, traditional heat & air; everything to make your stay comfy & fun! Pet friendly. Place for tents as well as comfy cabin.

The Stone Home

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Bodfish, CA

Learn more about this land: My space is a 2800 sq ft home ideal for larger groups. It has everything you need for a comfortable stay, whether you’re staying one night or seven nights.

Stoney Pines

3 sites · Lodging4 acres · Lake Isabella, CA

Our 4 Acre property has 2 cabins and a main Hacienda style house on it. Each house can be rented separately or all together depending on your group size and needs. There is also a large space behind the cabins for RVs with no hookups. The property itself is set in a desert landscape, but was previously owned by a pine tree enthusiast. Consequently, it has a mini pine tree forest and all houses have a view of the different types of pines. Typically in the afternoon you can hear the wind blow through these pines and also you will get a great golden hour color. Our property is located about 5 - 10 minutes from Lake Isabella, a great place for boating fishing, and wind or kite surfing. We are also located about 20 minutes from the Kern River, known for its whitewater rafting, but also a great place for fishing. There are many hikes around the valley and the PCT (Pacific Coast Trail) runs through Lake Isabella. There is also a climbing area just past Kernville, about a 20 - 30 minute drive, that is known as Kernville Rock or the Kern Slabs.

SunHawk Retreat

1 site · Lodging40 acres · Onyx, CA

The SunHawk retreat is a full off-grid eco-dome and 20 acre camp property directly connected to 10,000 acres of public land for hiking, climbing, and stunning views of the Sierra Mountains. The property has complete amenities including a hot tub, 1500sq ft deck, and 2 bedrooms. Magnificent views and perfect peace.

Cartago Springs

2 sites · RVs1 acre · Cartago, CA

Cartago Springs is right off of the 395 HWY, with beautiful panoramic views of the Sierra mountains with bright twinkling open skies at night. Just minutes from cotton wood creek and a short drive to the Alabama Hills and Mt. Whitney. Open land to park your trailer or RV. Star gaze and eat under the stars. Cartago wildlife area is a five minute walk down the road from the property. The Cartago Wildlife area is a protected wet land that homes many different birds and wild life, there are walking trails and a small pond to enjoy. The property sits near what was once the old Cartago dump. You can find beautiful colored glass, porcelains, neat items like silverware, car parts, old lighters, a pickers paradise. feel free to take any treasures you find home with you! If you like to ride, Olancha dunes is just down the road. Cactus Flats Road in Olancha will take you into the Coso Mountains where the trails are endless, the views are beautiful and the peace is surreal. Cartago Springs is a few miles north of the Mobile gas station, where they serve hot food a perfect convince for the traveler. Hope to see you soon!

Booked 13 times

Artist Housings fun land

50 sites · Tents320 acres · Randsburg, CA

Its tons of open land to do whatever u want with it. But leave no trace. Pack it in pack it out.Learn more about this land:320 acres of desert mountains. Great views. Very private. No neighbors for miles. Ridgecrest is 15 minute drive. We are laid back you can do anything you want as long as it's safe and legal. There is an RV on site with a bathroom available for your use. Once booked we will let you know where we hide the keys. (Water does not work unless you connect the RV battery to another vehicle with jumper cables.) This means no water to shower with and dont put anything but the provided Toilet Paper and human waste down the toilet.

Jawbone Canyon Campground

60 sites · RVs, Tents33 acres · Cantil, CA

Learn more about this land:Campers, will see a great view of Mojave desert, off road riding area from the camp site, no need to trailer atvs, utvs or dirt bikes. Beautiful landscape and hills, Thousands is acres to ride, old mining rigs in the area. Jawbone Canyon Store sells Camping necessities, firewood and ice. They even have bands playing on holiday weekends..

Dog-friendly getaways

Wandering Star Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent15 acres · Weldon, CA

Learn more about this land:A large private dispersed group camp- Entire property (all sites) included in rental. 7 night maximum. Longer possible with discussion. 15 acres yours to enjoy. Pass through our gates straight into BrightStar Wilderness BLM. Ride your dirt bikes, ATV's, horses. Play your music, let your dogs run free... Great star gazing. Primitive firing range two minute walk away, or plink varmints on site. Hiking, Biking. Nearby fishing, swimming, boating in the Kern River or Lake .The Brightstar wilderness extends to Jawbone canyon.Situated on the back side of the lake, this site provides more sunlight time than many other sites around the lake. In some cases close to 2 hours.Close to the lake at Mt. Mesa, boat launch, South fork Audubon nature preserve, restaurants, and scenic back road to Kernville.Verizon has good service Gas/Diesel and Market with Deli 5 minutes away.(Ice, wood, adult beverages, fishing tackle, full grocery)

Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

24 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Olancha, CA

Welcome to our new resort with breathtaking views our 100 acre RV retreat and our nearly 1 mile shoreline of beautiful Olancha Lake with the majestic snowcapped Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west and Death Valley to the east make for an incredible retreat. We are located near Lone Pine in the township of Olancha in the Owens Valley of California.

Shirley Creek Retreat

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Wofford Heights, CA

Beautiful mountain retreat surrounded by wilderness. Great place to just relax, breath and enjoy or have outdoor adventures via hiking trails, water play on the lake or Kern River, visit the trail of 100 Giants, white water rafting, fishing and snow skiing in Alta Vista! Cute retro movie theater in town or dining and entertainment in Kernville, home of the world famous Kernville Brewery. Cute additional cabin that sleeps two as an additional space for the kids or adventurous adults.Learn more about this land:Great location for outdoor & indoor adventure for you & your whole family! Beautiful view from mega deck, retro cabin that sleeps 6, fire pit, steps to seasonal creek full of swimming holes, beautiful mountain trails just outside your door. Lake Isabella, Kern River, Alta Vista Ski Resort & Remington Mineral Baths all within 15 minutes yet relax in solitude on 1/2 acre property surrounded by government land. Wood burning stove, traditional heat & air; everything to make your stay comfy & fun! Pet friendly. Place for tents as well as comfy cabin.

Underworld Farms

15 sites · Lodging, RVs6 acres · Kernville, CA

Underworld Farms is a small goat ranch in the Kern River Valley. Surrounded by forestry land, on the Kern River, and on top of what used to be the old town of Whiskey Flat (Later re-named Kernville). There is no end to the beauty, history and adventure all around the property. Life took us to the Kern River Valley after moving out of Los Angeles. We enjoy living in the Southern Sierras immersed in all its natural beauty. The small but magnificent town of Kernville is approximately two and a half miles north of us. Our livestock includes horses, dairy goats, sheep, and rabbits: Most of which are raised and bred as 4H or FFA projects. You may be wondering why our farm is called "Underworld Farms". In a nutshell, since our ranch is on the footprint of the historic town of Whiskey Flat, we just happen to be south of the old Whiskey Flat "Boot Hill" Cemetery. Our "driveway" is the road that led from the old town of Kernville to the cemetery. We hope that you consider parking your RV, van conversion, or trailer on one of our customized spots on the property. Or enjoy a stay in one of our small cabins or trailers. Regardless of what you stay in, you will definitely have a memorable time. *** THE PIN MAP ON HIPCAMP IS NOT 100% ACCURATE. PLEASE REFFER TO THE MAP OF THE PROPERTY IN THE PHOTOS

Kernville Ranch

5 sites · Lodging15 acres · Kernville, CA

Nestled in meadows with a private river flowing through horse pastures, tall shade trees and all natural cedar hot tub. Kernville Ranch is just a 5 minute walk from the center of Kernville. Plenty of fishing and white water rafting, hiking and hot springs and snow play depending on the season. Explore the lake for water-sports, the high country for pristine wilderness and a little snow. The town is full of restaurants, antiques stores, and a wonderful museum of the rich heritage of this Wild West town,

Star Hosts in Kernville

Lake Olancha RV Park and Campground

24 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Olancha, CA

Welcome to our new resort with breathtaking views our 100 acre RV retreat and our nearly 1 mile shoreline of beautiful Olancha Lake with the majestic snowcapped Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west and Death Valley to the east make for an incredible retreat. We are located near Lone Pine in the township of Olancha in the Owens Valley of California.

Wandering Star Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent15 acres · Weldon, CA

Learn more about this land:A large private dispersed group camp- Entire property (all sites) included in rental. 7 night maximum. Longer possible with discussion. 15 acres yours to enjoy. Pass through our gates straight into BrightStar Wilderness BLM. Ride your dirt bikes, ATV's, horses. Play your music, let your dogs run free... Great star gazing. Primitive firing range two minute walk away, or plink varmints on site. Hiking, Biking. Nearby fishing, swimming, boating in the Kern River or Lake .The Brightstar wilderness extends to Jawbone canyon.Situated on the back side of the lake, this site provides more sunlight time than many other sites around the lake. In some cases close to 2 hours.Close to the lake at Mt. Mesa, boat launch, South fork Audubon nature preserve, restaurants, and scenic back road to Kernville.Verizon has good service Gas/Diesel and Market with Deli 5 minutes away.(Ice, wood, adult beverages, fishing tackle, full grocery)

Kernville Ranch

5 sites · Lodging15 acres · Kernville, CA

Nestled in meadows with a private river flowing through horse pastures, tall shade trees and all natural cedar hot tub. Kernville Ranch is just a 5 minute walk from the center of Kernville. Plenty of fishing and white water rafting, hiking and hot springs and snow play depending on the season. Explore the lake for water-sports, the high country for pristine wilderness and a little snow. The town is full of restaurants, antiques stores, and a wonderful museum of the rich heritage of this Wild West town,

Double Triangle Ranch

3 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Weldon, CA

Once settled by Tubatulabel and Shoshoni tribes, this area is rich with reminders of their habitation. Grinding rocks near Tipi camp are one of those. When gold was discovered in the Kern River Valley, most of the native tribes were displaced but their decendents here in the KRV keep the history alive at the Nuii Cuni Center at Wofford heights, a short drive around the lake from us.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Sequoia National Forest

Sequoia National Forest

Ponderosa, California

The trails of Red Rock Canyon State Park.

Red Rock Canyon State Park

California City, California

Value Prop

Value Prop

Desert camping near Kernville guide

Overview

Looking for a camping experience near Kernville, California, with a desert terrain? Look no further! Hipcamp offers over 1300 options specifically in that location, perfect for any desert-loving adventurer. With options as low as $5 per night and an average price of $35 per night, there is something for every budget. Check out the top campsites like Cuyama Badlands (1681 reviews), Cuyama Oaks Ranch (367 reviews), and Blue Sky Center (343 reviews) for highly recommended options. Plus, popular amenities like toilets, showers, and pet-friendly sites are available. Whether you're into paddling, snow sports, or horseback riding, you'll find plenty of activities to enjoy. Get ready for an unforgettable desert camping experience!

Popular Kernville trips

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Top parks near Kernville

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Sequoia National Forest

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